Week 7 is almost here and we have more injuries that will be concerning to owners around all leagues. The Colts are being decimated losing Dallas Clark for what looks like the season, Austin Collie will miss at least 2-3 weeks and possibly more after having surgery on his hand, and Joseph Addai may miss some time with another of many lingering injuries. Luckily for most owners the Colts are on their bye week and it won’t effect you right away, but plan appropriately.

Let’s take a look at some players with good match ups this week.

Starters QBs

Matt Cassel vs JAX – I hesitate to put Cassel here after he lit up a terrible Houston secondary that everyone has taken advantage of this season. However, Jacksonville’s secondary is not much better and Cassel does look like he is getting it together a bit.

Kyle Orton vs Oak – Oakland has good pass defense that is ranked 8th in the league currently, but they have also allowed 3rd most touchdowns to opposing QBs and if Denver has shown us anything this season, it’s that they want to throw the ball.

Bench them QBs

Kevin Kolb vs TEN – Kolb had a good game against Atlanta last throwing for 326 yards and 3 TDs. Remember though, 2 of those TDs came after Dunta Robinson, Atlanta’s best corner, went out for the game. The Eagles will be a facing a a stingier pass defense in Tennessee who is putting up an almost 2 to 1 interception to TD ratio and also leads the league in sacks. Play with caution if you do.

Alex Smith vs CAR – Smith has fallen short of expectations for most of the season and expectations should probably stay low for the game in Carolina. Carolina is stingy against the pass. Look for a majority of yards to come from Frank Gore on the ground. Smith may put up point as tends to in the red zone, but temper expectations as Carolina is playing well at home.

Starter RBs

Christopher Ivory vs CLE – Ivory looked great against a terrible Tampa Bay D, and now he faces another reeling defense in Cleveland. He is still in a committee, but he is likely to receive the bulk of the carries and could put up similar yards like last week.

Marshawn Lynch vs ARI – Lynch was keyed in on last week by the Bears D and still was able to score a TD. The Cardinals are not quite as good as the Bears on run defense. In fact, they allow 56 yards more per game than the Bears. Lynch also saw 17 carries last week and should see the bulk of the carries once again. Forsett may steal some carries this week, but Lynch is Pete Carroll’s guy in the red zone.

Bench Them RBs

Brandon Jackson vs MIN – Jackson hasn’t played well as the starter since Ryan Grant went down, but put up 115 yards on the ground against Washington a few weeks back and interest peaked again on him. But 71 of those yards came on 1 play where he broke containment. He has been flat otherwise in games averaging only 10 carries over the pass 3 games. In an offense that is more likely to thrown it and against a sturdy Minnesota run defense beware of running Jackson.

Fred Jackson vs BAL – After Lynch was traded to Seattle Jackson has been the primary back, however, signs of the fantasy relevance he had last season have been nowhere to be found. Top that off with a strong Ravens D and you got a RB who should stay on your bench.

Starters WRs

Patrick Crayton vs NE – Crayton will get a large boost with injuries to Malcom Floyd and Legadu Naanee likely to be out along with a hampered Antonio Gates. In an offense that likes to throw he will get a boost. Play him if you need a wide out but be aware Bill Belichick likes to focus on a player and take them out of the game defensively so be weary.

Hakeem Nicks vs DAL – Giants receivers has a knack for pick apart the Dallas secondary and Hakeem Nicks is a budding star and if Manning is throwing the ball in the red zone, it’s most likely going to Nicks.

Bench Them WRs

Danario Alexander vs TB – Alexander came out of nowhere last week and looked good against a good Chargers secondary. But the receiver has a history with injuries and has shown soreness this week. He will play and possibly start this weekend, so use his as a last resort.

Mike Sims-Walker vs KC – Kansas City’s secondary is better than the numbers show and Sims-Walker is playing about as well as his numbers show. Couple that with a journeyman QB and you get a good reason to keep him on your bench if he isn’t on waivers already.

Starter TEs

Ben Watson vs NO – Watson leads the Browns in receptions and with a rookie QB in Colt McCoy playing, Watson will be looked to as the primary target. If you suffered the lose of either Dallas Clark or Michael Finley over the past few weeks Watson will be a decent replacement though expectations should be tempered.

Heath Miller vs MIA – Heath Miller only had 2 receptions last week but 1 was for a TD. Ben Roethlisberger will continue to target him in the red zone.

Bench Them TEs

Chris Cooley vs CHI – Cooley suffered a concussion last week against the Colts, but he is cleared and likely to start this week. I’d look for the team to play him cautiously though and wouldn’t be surprised if Shanahan pulls out of the game early for precautionary purposes.

Visanthe Shiancoe vs GB – It’s hard to say bench Shiancoe after last season against Green Bay where he had TDs in both games, but Shiancoe has been all but ignored since Randy Moss arrived. I wouldn’t put it past him to seek in a TD, but his lack of receptions is worrisome.

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Written by David Willow
My name is David Willow. Your NFL and Fantasy Jedi. I have lived in Dallas, TX most of my life. I have been following both football and basketball since I was a child. I love being able to research and analyze different players and teams. I've been a fantasy sports enthusiast for around 8 years with some titles to back that. I have a Bachelors degree in History with a minor in English. Other hobbies include me being part of an acting workshop for five years, playing guitar, and working out. Hit me up with any comments, questions or opinions.